Nanoparticle-Based (Bio)Sensors for Biomedical and Environmental Monitoring, 2nd Edition

A special issue of Micromachines (ISSN 2072-666X). This special issue belongs to the section "B3: Nanoparticles in Biomedicine".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 November 2026 | Viewed by 2189

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ege University, Bornova 35100, Izmir, Türkiye
Interests: analytical chemistry; electrochemical biosensor; nanobiosensors; electrochemical diagnostic kits

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Nanoparticles have emerged as powerful tools in sensor technology, offering enhanced sensitivity, selectivity, and rapid response times. Their unique physicochemical properties, including high surface area-to-volume ratios and tunable optical, electrical, and chemical characteristics, make them ideal candidates for applications in both biomedical and environmental monitoring.

Nanoparticle-based (bio)sensors operate by exploiting the unique interactions between nanoparticles and target analytes. These interactions can lead to measurable changes in optical (e.g., fluorescence, surface plasmon resonance), electrical (e.g., conductivity, impedance), or chemical properties.

Nanoparticle-based (bio)sensors include metallic nanoparticle sensors, quantum dot (QD) sensors, carbon-based nanoparticle sensors, and magnetic nanoparticle sensors.

Their applications in Biomedical Monitoring include the following:

  • Disease Diagnosis: Early detection of diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders through biomarker sensing;
  • Point-of-Care Testing: Portable diagnostic tools/kits for rapid disease detection in remote locations;
  • Drug Monitoring: Real-time tracking of therapeutic drug levels in patients.

Their applications in Environmental Monitoring include the following:

  • Heavy Metal Detection: Monitoring lead, mercury, and arsenic levels in water bodies;
  • Air Quality Sensing: Detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and greenhouse gases;
  • Pathogen Detection: Identification of bacterial and viral contaminants in water and food sources.

Despite their advantages, nanoparticle-based (bio)sensors face challenges such as stability, reproducibility, and potential toxicity. Future advancements will likely focus on improving biocompatibility, miniaturization for portable devices, and integration not only with mobile phones but also with artificial intelligence for real-time data analysis.

Nanoparticle-based (bio)sensors hold great promise for advancing biomedical diagnostics and environmental safety. Their continued development will enhance the precision, efficiency, and accessibility of monitoring systems, contributing to improved health and sustainability outcomes.

Prof. Dr. Stella Girousi
Prof. Dr. Dilsat Ozkan-Ariksoysal
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • nanoparticle
  • (bio)sensor
  • biomedical
  • environmental monitoring

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

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20 pages, 7071 KB  
Article
Ultrasensitive Human Urinary Albumin Detection via Composite Nanohydrogels
by Özge Altıntaş, Fatma Yılmaz, Elif Serra Taş and Adil Denizli
Micromachines 2026, 17(4), 409; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi17040409 - 27 Mar 2026
Viewed by 549
Abstract
Albumin is an important biomarker in biological fluids and plays a critical role, particularly in the diagnosis of renal dysfunction. Therefore, the sensitive detection of low concentrations of albumin in urine is of great importance. In this study, a composite nanohydrogel modified with [...] Read more.
Albumin is an important biomarker in biological fluids and plays a critical role, particularly in the diagnosis of renal dysfunction. Therefore, the sensitive detection of low concentrations of albumin in urine is of great importance. In this study, a composite nanohydrogel modified with carbon dots has been developed for the selective detection of albumin from human urine. The composite nanohydrogels were synthesised using a molecular imprinting technique specifically designed to recognise albumin. Characterisation studies were conducted using ZetaSizer, SEM, EDX, CLSM and ATR-FTIR methods. The albumin-binding capacities of the carbon dots (C-Dots) and synthesised composite nanohydrogels were evaluated using fluorescence spectroscopy. The effects of different concentration conditions on binding efficiency were systematically investigated. Selectivity studies have shown that albumin-imprinted nanohydrogels can detect target molecule albumin four times more selectively than competitive molecules, Hb and IgG. Imprinting efficiency was estimated by comparing the signals of albumin obtained from non-imprinted and albumin-imprinted composite nanohydrogels. Finally, artificial urine samples mimicking real biological environment conditions were examined to evaluate matrix effect on the albumin detection. The repeatability and long-term stability of albumin detection, performed with four consecutive and six-month measurements, was evaluated using the %RSD value, confirming that the albumin determination performance was maintained. Full article
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Review

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57 pages, 10717 KB  
Review
Stimuli-Responsive Nanomaterial-Based Biosensor Structures for Wound Care: pH, ROS, and Temperature Sensing Strategies
by Anita Ioana Visan, Adrian Birnaz and Irina Negut
Micromachines 2026, 17(3), 306; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi17030306 - 28 Feb 2026
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Abstract
Chronic and infected wounds remain a major clinical challenge due to their dynamic microenvironments and the lack of real-time diagnostic feedback in conventional dressings. Recent advances in stimuli-responsive nanomaterial-based biosensors have enabled the development of smart wound-care systems capable of continuous monitoring and [...] Read more.
Chronic and infected wounds remain a major clinical challenge due to their dynamic microenvironments and the lack of real-time diagnostic feedback in conventional dressings. Recent advances in stimuli-responsive nanomaterial-based biosensors have enabled the development of smart wound-care systems capable of continuous monitoring and on-demand therapeutic intervention. This review systematically summarizes progress in nanomaterial-enabled wound biosensing strategies, with a focus on pH, reactive oxygen species, and temperature nanosensors, which serve as key indicators of infection, inflammation, and healing status. We discuss the sensing mechanisms and functional roles of diverse nanomaterials. A particular focus is placed on emerging multimodal and theranostic platforms which integrate biochemical and physical sensing with controlled drug release, photothermal or photodynamic therapy, and redox regulation. These systems represent a shift from passive wound monitoring toward closed-loop, adaptive wound management. Also, future perspectives are outlined, highlighting the convergence of nanomaterials, self-powered electronics, and intelligent data processing as a pathway toward personalized and precision wound care. Full article
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